Just a few weeks ago, the Reeths-Puffer girls golf team embarked on the season with a lot of question marks.
The Rockets had two solid players returning from last year’s outstanding squad, along with several inexperienced players whose adjustment to varsity would be crucial.
Those younger players seem to be coming along faster than expected, however, and the Rockets are starting to play some solid team golf.
The latest example came on Wednesday when R-P finished in second place at the Whitehall Invitational at the White Lake Golf Club.
Olivia Ambler
The Rockets and Whitehall actually finished with the same 373 team score, but the Vikings took the championship in the tiebreaker.
The two girls at the top of the Rocket lineup continued their pattern of alternating the best score of the day.
This time it was senior Rowan Bluhm, who shot an 85, finished tied for second place in the individual standings and won a medal.
Ella Voorhies
Sophomore standout Sophia McCollum shot an 89, tied for sixth place individually and also won a medal.
The real difference for the Rockets came in the scores turned in by the less experienced players.
Sophomore Olivia Ambler shot a 94, which was her best varsity score ever and 19 strokes better than what she shot on the same course last year.
Sophomore Ella Voorhies (105) and senior Emma Dvorak (125) also shot the best rounds of their varsity careers.
Emma Dvorak
“This team continues to trend in the right direction,” said R-P Coach Matt Pallett. “Rowan and Sophia lead the way and both had good rounds today. They both feel they can do even better. Olivia, Ella and Emma all shot personal bests today. I am excited to see how much this team can improve.
“I purposely set a tough schedule to start. I want to find out where we are and challenge ourselves physically and mentally. Now that we know where we stand in conference, city and regionals, we will sit down and set some high but reasonable goals. We will then work hard to achieve them.”
The Rockets will return to action next Wednesday in an O-K Green conference jamboree at the Muskegon Country Club.